C’est La Vie: 6 Ideas to Enjoy Life

Life can become quite hectic sometimes. Between your relationships, children, career, social life, and home there is so much to do on a daily basis. So there’s always a need for enjoyment. If you are not enjoying your life, you aren’t living it. Remember these six basic activities.

1. Get outside

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to relax on any given day is to to stop what you’re doing and head outside. Sometimes a walk around the neighborhood is all it takes to refresh and invigorate your mind.

Put the babies in the stroller and head to the park. Opt to walk down the block to pick up lunch rather than have it delivered. Or just park in the farthest space at the grocery store so you have time to walk and enjoy some of the relief from stress that fresh air on a beautiful day can supply.

2. Exercise

Getting active can relieve stress. One of the best ways to reduce stress and get your body in shape is through yoga. This relaxation method helps even your breathing, forces you to concentrate, and it builds your muscles while lowering stress.

3. Turn off your electronic devices

Make it a point to relax every day before bed by turning off your electronic devices and just enjoying time with family. Turn off your phones, tablets, iPods, iPads, and television and focus on the people who mean the most to you.

4. Get lost in a story

For centuries, reading has been a favorite pastime of many. When you want to relax amid the chaos and stress of everyday life, pick up a good book and allow yourself to get lost in a story about your favorite characters. When you’re finished, you’ll feel calm, relaxed and revitalized.

5. Take deep breaths

Shut your office door the next time you feel overwhelmed and take a few deep breaths. The practice of slowing down your breathing helps to alleviate stress and relax your mind. This technique is recommended by everyone from medical doctors to fitness trainers. Inhale, count to 10, and exhale. Repeat for one minute and you’ll feel instantly relaxed.

6. Schedule me-time every weekend

The most important thing you can do for yourself is to schedule “me-time” during which you sit down with a fabulous glass of wine and listen to soft music. Send the kids out, ask your husband to run to the store, and just relax.

Make the most of your me-time by selecting a bottle of wine you know you’ll enjoy, and placing your wine opener and an appropriate glass within reach before your me-time starts.

It’s possible to relax in the middle of the chaos that comes with life. You can do things to relax just about anywhere, from walking to taking deep breaths. By scheduling an hour or so of me-time every weekend and exercising a few days a week, you can minimize the stress in your life.